After 35 games with the Boston Celtics, and 10 years in the NBA, Enes Freedom became a free agent last week after being cut from the roster.
And now, as sources tell Steve Bulpett of Heavy, there’s a chance he might not return to NBA action again.
“I don’t know if anyone else signs him,” said an anonymous GM. “Maybe not. I think from a basketball standpoint, it’s really questionable. I’m not sure if any of the other stuff will even come into play. I don’t think he won’t get a job because of anything he’s said or done. I think he just doesn’t guard, and the game is changing. He plays a lot older than he really is.”
Freedom, 29, found success in the league as a premier rebounder and post scorer. During his stints in OKC, New York, Portland, and Boston, he proved to be a valuable addition off the bench. Unfortunately, his play on the defensive side of the ball often limited his effectiveness on the court and his shortcomings in that regard are likely a big reason for his exile from the league.
Freedom has also made a lot of noise in the media about standing up to China and protecting human rights. He has called out countless athletes over the past year, including LeBron James, for failing to take action on what is happening in Asia.
“I don’t know if he’s educated enough, but I’m here to educate him and I’m here to help him, because it’s not about money,” Freedom said of James. “It’s about morals, principles and values. It’s about what you stand for. There are way bigger things than money. If LeBron stopped making money now, his grandkids and grandkids and grandkids can have the best life ever. I feel like it’s definitely time for athletes to stand up for the things they believe in — not just in America — but all over the world.”
Whether it is his political agenda or the nature of his game, Kanter’s days in the NBA are likely over now and he can look back with pride about the decade he put in.
But no matter what happens with Kanter’s basketball career, we will likely see him continue his fight in any way that he can. In fact, as a warrior for human rights, one could say Kanter’s work ahead will be more important than anything he’s done on the basketball court.
